The Executive Chairman of the Nigeria Revenue Service, Zacch Adedeji, has defended President Bola Tinubu over concerns about the lifestyle of political office holders amid the economic hardship facing Nigerians.
Adedeji said Tinubu does not live extravagantly despite occupying the highest political office in the country. The NRS boss spoke during an interview with Channels Television on Sunday. He was responding to questions from journalist Seun Okinbaloye about the lifestyle of political leaders and government spending.
The discussion came amid growing concerns over the cost of living. Nigerians have continued to question the spending and lifestyles of public officials as households struggle with rising prices.
Tinubu walks to office
Speaking about the President’s movements and the luxury vehicles reportedly attached to his convoy, Adedeji claimed that Tinubu usually walks from his residence to his office.
He said the President only uses a vehicle when travelling to the airport. Adedeji also claimed that Tinubu had not travelled outside Nigeria in the past three months. Defending the President’s lifestyle, the NRS chairman questioned concerns over the vehicles reportedly used by Tinubu’s convoy.
“Mr President goes from home to office on foot, not even driving except when he is going to the airport. I don’t know where you see the convoy. Before he became president, what is he riding?” he said.
Adedeji also questioned why the President’s use of luxury vehicles should be considered evidence of excessive spending.
“How much is an Escalade that the president of Nigeria cannot afford? Please don’t embarrass this country,” he said.
‘He spends his time working’
The NRS chairman further argued that Tinubu’s activities do not suggest that the President lives an extravagant lifestyle. According to him, Tinubu spends much of his time working and reviewing official documents instead of attending parties or travelling for holidays.
“What is living large? In the last months, he has not even left the shores of this country, trekking and working. If you go there now, you will see him review one document or the other,” Adedeji said.
He also said the President’s daily routine was not consistent with the perception that he lived lavishly.
Tinubu eats once daily — Adedeji
Adedeji further claimed that Tinubu eats only once a day. He used the claim to counter concerns about the President’s lifestyle.
“The president eats once in a day. How many parties have you seen him at in the last three years? Tell me where you have seen him, whether on holiday or anywhere?” he said.
The comments come amid continued public debate over government spending and the lifestyles of political office holders. Many Nigerians have raised concerns about the contrast between the living conditions of ordinary citizens and the privileges enjoyed by public officials. Adedeji’s comments are therefore likely to attract further reactions, particularly his claims about Tinubu’s daily routine, movement and use of official vehicles.
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